<p>HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital — a 330-bed, Level II Trauma Center on Florida's Emerald Coast — is recruiting a Cardiac Anesthesiologist to join an established, nine-physician anesthesia care team. The program performs approximately 400 cardiac cases annually within a broad, high-acuity surgical service line that spans cardiothoracic, robotic, neuro, and trauma. Call is beeper-only from home every fifth week with infrequent callbacks, and a $125,000 start-date bonus anchors a comprehensive compensation package — all in one of the most sought-after coastal communities in the Southeast.</p>
<h3>Perks and Benefits</h3> <ul> <li>$125,000 start-date bonus plus a separate relocation bonus</li> <li>10 weeks of paid time off annually</li> <li>100% employer-paid professional liability (malpractice) coverage</li> <li>Florida medical license application assistance provided</li> <li>Full benefits package including health, dental, and vision</li> <li>No state income tax — Florida's favorable tax environment maximizes take-home compensation</li> </ul>
<h3>Practice Highlights</h3> <ul> <li>Anesthesia care team of 9 physicians and 25 APPs — a well-staffed, collaborative model</li> <li>Approximately 400 cardiac cases per year, supported by a dedicated cardiovascular OR team and a highly regarded open-heart surgery program</li> <li>Diverse case mix spanning cardiac, vascular, thoracic/lungs, orthopedic, orthospine, neurosurgery, robotic-assisted procedures, general surgery, GYN, OB (non-high-risk), trauma, ENT, plastics, podiatry, healthy day-surgery pediatrics, GI, EP lab, MRI, CT, cath lab, bronch lab, and cysto</li> <li>Lifestyle-friendly call: beeper call from home every 5th week only — no in-house overnight call obligation; callback frequency is low</li> <li>330-bed full-service acute care facility — the region's only Level II Trauma Center</li> <li>State-of-the-art operating rooms with robotic-assisted surgical capability and a dedicated cardiovascular OR</li> <li>Accredited Chest Pain Center and comprehensive cardiac services program</li> <li>Cardiovascular ICU and neonatal ICU on campus</li> <li>Emergency services include a main ER, dedicated Pediatric ER, and Express ER; Primary Stroke Center designation</li> <li>Additional service lines: inpatient rehabilitation, behavioral health, and comprehensive surgical recovery unit</li> <li>Regional referral catchment serving the tri-county Northwest Florida area</li> </ul>
<h3>Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li>Board certification or board eligibility in Anesthesiology (ABA)</li> <li>Completion of an ACGME-accredited Anesthesiology residency required</li> <li>Cardiac Anesthesiology fellowship training preferred</li> <li>Active Florida medical license or eligibility to obtain (license assistance provided)</li> <li>Clinical comfort with the full breadth of the case mix described, including cardiac, vascular, trauma, and robotic-assisted procedures</li> </ul>
<h3>About the Community</h3> <p>Fort Walton Beach sits on Florida's Emerald Coast, ten minutes from Destin, with powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear Gulf waters, and year-round sunshine that make this one of the most desirable places to live in the country. The community is consistently recognized for top-rated public schools — including those in nearby Niceville — making it an exceptional choice for families, while the absence of a state income tax and available homestead exemptions add meaningful financial upside. Outdoor recreation is abundant: Gulf Islands National Seashore, boating, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and multiple golf courses are all within easy reach, and a lively entertainment district with dining, shopping, and cultural events including the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival rounds out a genuinely balanced coastal lifestyle.</p>